Our association with eating is complicated and often has a sensitive element attached to it. After a hectic day we’re commonly attracted to a stiff drink of alcohol rather than a healthy salad. When we’re worn-out and feeling lethargic, we’ll reach for a caffeine filled drinks and sugar saturated snack to give us a swift burst of energy instead of a wholesome fresh piece of fruit or a quenching glass of water. For years, the relationship between mood and nutrition has been contemplated. However, recently its been suggested that certain nutrients have an uplifting effect on our psychological wellbeing. The connection between food and poor disposition seem to be reasonably consistent, people in a negative state of mind are more likely to pick sugary, fatty or salty treats or comfort foods rather than nutritive ones. Junk foods may placate our taste buds, but they more than likely won’t help our mood. Blood sugar spikes and drops can leave us with a short-lived spurt of energy trailed by a drained, cantankerous feeling. The nutrients found in healthy foods work together to cause our brains to produce serotonin, the “feel-good hormone”, which is related to a better mood and feelings of leisure. Eating foods that support a steady blood-sugar level within the proper range, such as wholegrain cereals, helps to soothe our moods. However, before we can consume mood-boosting foods, it’s significant to know which foods we need to limit and which to indulge. The prime bad temperament conductors are refined carbohydrates, such as sugar. The simple sugars that are in junk foods, such as candy and pop, as well as in everyday foods, such as fruit juice, syrup, and jams, can cause our blood sugar to rise and dip.

It’s generally known that our mood can activate food cravings, cause us to overindulge or destroy our appetite completely. But the contrary is also factual in that the food we eat can make or break our attitude. This is evident not only in the following minutes after we’ve eaten but also over time, as our diet shapes our mental health from inside and out. Foods, like complex carbohydrates, that contain soluble fiber can gradual the absorption of sugar into our bloodstream and upsurge our serotonin levels, the “feel good” hormone in our brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that leads us to feel happy, composed and comfortable. About eighty percent of the serotonin in our body is created in the stomach; supporting good gut health can play a role in how we feel each day. When we consider our mood, we tend to think of it being connected to our brain, yet many neurotransmitters are actually made in our gut. The highest concentration of serotonin, which is also involved in depression and aggression, is found in our intestines, not our brain. The connection between carbohydrates and mood is all about tryptophan, a nonessential amino acid. As more tryptophan enters the brain, more serotonin is synthesized in the brain, and our mood is inclined to improve. Serotonin is made naturally in the brain from tryptophan with some help from the B vitamins. Foods thought to increase serotonin levels in the brain include fish and vitamin D. Tryptophan is usually found in most protein-rich foods. We can enhance our tryptophan levels by eating more carbohydrates; as they help to reduce the opposition for tryptophan, so more of it can enter our brain. However it’s noteworthy to make shrewd carbohydrate choices like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which also contribute significant nutrients and fiber. Studies have found that diets low in carbohydrates amplified feelings of anger, depression, and tension and diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates boosted anger. There’s no debating that diets high in carbohydrates have a generally uplifting effect on mood.

Our health is our complete physical, mental and social well being and not just the absence of disease or illness. In order to function at an effective level, our brains and bodies need energy. That fuel comes in the shape of nutrition, and has an uninterrupted influence on the utility and configuration of our brain, and eventually our disposition. How we eat, drink, move, think, and breathe all effect the ways we interact everyday. Our biochemistry, the nutrients we consume, as well as our attitudes have a bearing on whether we experience energy or not. It’s essential that we give our body what it needs to generate the conditions inside of us that allow us to feel and be happy, healthy and energized. At Gourmet Services we want everyone to keep in mind that when it comes to staying healthy, and improving our mood, we shouldn’t expect wonders from one specific food. Eating a healthy balanced diet that includes an assortment of lean protein, nutritious fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help us discover a healthier body and mind, which undoubtedly will cause us to be in a much better mood.

Though many college and university cafeterias are offering more vegan, gluten free, and diet-specific options, it’s what students snack on once they get back to their dorm room that’s concerning. Many college students gain weight once they leave home to live in a dorm, succumbing to the feared “freshman 15” by choosing to consume too many unhealthy foods. The “freshman 15” is termed after a occurrence where new college students reportedly gain on average 15 pounds by their second year. While there are various rationalizations for the weight gain, paramount among them are poor nutritional selections. For a number of college freshmen, it’s their first time being away from home, existing among others that they have several things in common with. The collective landscape is stimulating and spearheads new friendships. Everything seems to be picture-perfect. This transition from high school to college is as good a time as any to learn about nutrition and weight management, and pick up the lifestyle habits that will serve for a lifetime.

Making healthy choices at dining facilities may be the trickiest behavior for beginning college students to learn. Choosing options that contain the most nutrients instead of deciding on pizza or a burger and fries can be a daunting task for any young adult. However steps like this can really make a difference. With obesity rates and related health problems on the rise, it’s essential that students take care of themselves and develop healthy living habits. Living on a college campus definitely makes it more difficult to adhere to healthy eating habits. Everything needed to lead an unhinged diet is right there, inviting them to immerse themselves. However, the nutritious alternatives are there also, and it is imperative that budding scholars make use of these options to sustain a successful academic lifestyle. It’s OK to treat ourselves on an occasion. Some would even say it’s wise to balance a sensible diet with a reasonable amount of foods that provides us joy. The key isn’t to completely deny ourselves, but to find a modest amount of our guilty pleasure that’ll quench our craving. This control is especially beneficial when eating and socializing with dorm mates and friends that may have a less healthy eating regimen.

Going to a grocery store once every one to two weeks also provides the prospect to stockpile healthy foods creating less of an opportunity in indulge junk foods from food marts and dorm vending machines. Cold items can be stored in a small refrigerator, and any other food can be kept on shelves or in sealed plastic containers. To eat healthy in the dorm, stocking a range of nutrient-dense foods that have a long shelf life is recommended. Canned tuna, peanut butter and low-sodium soups are nonperishable items that provide protein, while yogurt, string cheese and lean turkey deli slices are high-protein and can fill any dorm room refrigerator. Good snacks for a dorm room are low-fat microwave popcorn, raisins and whole-wheat pretzels instead of potato chips and cookies. Baby carrots, apples and bananas can last for days in the refrigerator and are handy alternatives to grab on way to class.

In the cafeteria, highlight fresh foods, such as fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, while limiting low-nutrient options, such as fries, pizza and desserts. Salad bars usually offer an array of fresh and healthy vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, such as hard-boiled egg whites and strips of grilled chicken breast. Because late-night get-togethers and study gatherings can be openings for troubling junk food, bringing our own healthy snacks to avoid the lure to indulge in high-calorie foods late at night can be a life preserver.

Life as a student can be vast, and knowing when to be strict with food or more fixated on it is hard. College tosses up a lot of obstacles to eating healthy that non-students can’t relate with, like taut budgets, limited cooking utensils, and unreasonably hectic schedules. With over 40 years in food service management, at Gourmet Services we know that as a student, there will be numerous exhilarating and tension causing stressors throughout your entire college career. Our safekeeping is that eating healthy isn’t one of them.